The blocked Plum Brook Road Bridge in NY
The Plum Brook Road Bridge is an abandoned single-span steel Pratt through truss bridge spanning the Muscoot Reservoir in northern Westchester County, New York, USA. Built in 1904, the structure formerly carried Plum Brook Road between Somers and Katonah. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
| Road facts: Plum Brook Road Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Location | Westchester County (Somers/Katonah), New York (USA) |
| Route Designation | Plum Brook Road (Severed into two dead-end segments) |
| Structure Type | Steel Pratt through truss with decorative lattice portal bracing and stone abutments |
| Build Date / Rehabilitation | Built 1904 / Rehabilitated 1942 / Restricted 1996 |
| Closure Date | Permanently closed to all vehicular traffic in 1998 |
| Access Status | Gated and blocked on both ends |
Where is the Plum Brook Road Bridge located?
The bridge spans a narrow arm of the Muscoot Reservoir in northern Westchester County, north of New York City. The physical blockage of the crossing permanently split Plum Brook Road into two separate dead-end access roads serving local reservoir land.
What type of bridge is the Plum Brook Road Bridge?
Erected in 1904 during the flooding of the New York City reservoir system and rehabilitated in 1942, it is a steel Pratt through truss bridge set on heavy stone masonry abutments. The structure features decorative lattice portal bracing over the entrances and steel pipe railings along the deck floor.
Can you drive across the Plum Brook Road Bridge?
No. In June 1996, severe structural decay forced authorities to restrict the crossing to a single lane with a strict 5-ton weight limit. Continued deterioration led to its total closure to all motor vehicles in 1998. Steel gates and physical barriers block both entrances, leaving the deck overgrown with weeds and wild vegetation.
What is the current condition of the Plum Brook Road Bridge?
The bridge stands fully abandoned and unmaintained over the reservoir water. Rusted steel floor beams, rotting deck components, and encroaching brush make crossing unsafe, while locked metal fences prevent vehicles from accessing the span from either side of Plum Brook Road.